For the Birds, Selected Auction Items

Imagine owning an original Shaker rocking chair, circa 1880. This chair was started by Brother Wagan and made at the Shaker Chair Factory in Mount Lebanon, NY. Known as a #3 armless Shaker rocker, the piece has a dark maple finish. A classic piece with a wonderful provenance.

- Willis Henry Auctions, Inc.

Local artist and a guiding influence behind contemporary art at Fruitlands, Linda Hoffman, has created a personal piece especially for the lucky winning bidder at tonight’s auction. The sculpture stands approximately 4 feet high and is made from metal and wood – truly appropriate for enhancing your outdoor gardens. Watch Linda create Belle

- Linda Hoffman

Fruitlands Trustee, Marcia Croyle and her husband, Jim, have offered the guest cottage on their stunning Nantucket property for a long weekend stay of four days and three nights. The cottage has four bedrooms and a loft, easily accommodating up to eight people. Rental transportation on island is easily accessible. The cottage comes fully equipped with a generous kitchen and outdoor eating area featuring a Webber grille. As a special feature, there is a hot tub and sauna on the property available for the winning bidders’ use. Dates available between May 1st and November 1st , 2011 by mutual agreement.

- Marcia and Jim Croyle

Ever long for the quiet solitude of an early morning or evening trek across Bare Hill Pond or the Concord River? This Old Town Vapor 10XT kayak and EMS paddle provide the perfect 'cruising vehicle'. The kayak features a comfortable, adjustable seat and a rear hatch for storage. The cup holder for your favorite beverage is plus! As a bonus, Fruitland’s Trustee, Richard Connell, has added a 'Paddleboy'. This nifty device weighs a mere six pounds, folds compactly and floats but can hold up to 200 pounds when full.

- Bob Mayerson, North Middlesex Savings Bank

- Richard Connell

Bid on your very own unique art piece from Jeff Butler’s series of whimsical sculptures. This piece, called “Petrodactyl”, is made of wood, has a 22 inch wingspan and can be wall mounted or hung from the ceiling. Jeff is a local artist with many works on display at the Westborough Art Gallery in Westborough, MA.

- Jeff Butler

This pensive looking green-throated Carib hummingbird was captured on paper by local artist, Barry Van Dusen, while in St. Croix in November, 2002.

- Barry Van Dusen

Win a numbered, limited edition decoy from the Heritage Decoy series, Christopher Gosset Collection. This decoy is signed #1801/5000 and measures approximately 18” long. The piece is richly detailed and strikingly realistic. A wonderful addition to an established collection or a great starter piece.

- Montague Gallery, Concord, MA

This exquisite oil on canvas painting was done by local artist, B. J. Wayne. It depicts a Pointer standing at attention on a marsh in Essex, MA.

- B. J. Wayne

Enjoy a dinner party at your home or at the Steele home in Harvard. Local cooks and waiters, Richard and Sally Steele (Fruitland’s trustee), will create a four-course dinner for you and your friends or family (a maximum of 10 people). All food and appropriate wines will be carefully planned and included. This gourmet experience will be scheduled for a mutually agreeable date during the winter months of 2010/2011.

- Sally and Richard Steele

Up close and personal tour of the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, NY for up to 4 people. The stately vistas offer sweeping views of the abutting conservation land . The VIP “behind the scenes” mansion tour boasts a large collection of Hudson River Valley paintings and the winner will receive two books which capture the beauty of the works found at the museum. Date to be scheduled through the Olana State Historic Site at a mutually convenient time. More information can be found at www.olana.org.

- Olana State Historic Site

Wouldn’t you love to have your trash or donations magically disappear? Imagine gaining back the space in your garage, cellar or attic? Bid on this clean-out services item and you’ll get four hours of professional help from Transitions Liquidation Services along with a 10 yard dumpster or box truck to fill with all of your unwanted items. Labor services and dumpster on-site no longer than one week. No hazardous materials or appliances.

- Marie LeBlanc, Transitions Liquidation Services